J.D. Salinger Bio and Other Books Hitting Caldwell Shelves

The Caldwell Public Library is one of five libraries in the state to be awarded a collection of 18 books nominated for the New Jersey Council for the Humanities Book Awards.

This year’s winner, J.D. Salinger: A Life by author Kenneth Slawenski, and the other 17 books will be presented to the library by Dr. Sharon Ann Holt, Executive Director of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m.

Becoming one of the winning libraries was no easy task, according to Caldwell Library Director Adele Puccio.

“We had to submit a long application giving a profile of the community, outlining what kind of programs the library offers, and showing how the library serves the area,” Puccio stated in a release. “We really dug deep to showcase our programs, because these books mean so much to us. We’re really feeling the pinch.”

The Caldwell Public Library circulated 50,000 books last year and serves a larger community than its name implies.

“Not only Caldwell residents, but people from other communities come here. Even with budget cuts we have managed to continue to be a good neighbor,” Puccio stated. “We offer the community books, computer time with Internet access, free wifi and a circulating DVD collection. We’re truly the little library that could.”

The 18 books presented to the Caldwell Public Library will be available to be checked out immediately following the ceremony.

The four other libraries to be awarded the special collection are the Wayne Public Library, Cherry Hill Public Library, Fort Lee Public Library and Millville Public Library.

The Caldwell Public Library could use the community's support. Current Caldwell Mayor Ann Dassing and Former Mayor Susan Gartland have partnered for the "Legacy for Literacy" gala, a benefit for the library happening next month. Learn more.